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Discovered Gold
A gold nugget was discovered by John W. Marshall in the American River. -
First Come, First Serve
Whoever arrived to northern California first, or if they already lived there were rewarded with golden nuggets. -
The News Spreads
News of the discovery spread rapidly throughout the Pacific coast. However, the East was skeptical. -
Gold Rumors Confirmed
President Polk confirmed the rumors of discovered gold to Congress. -
Migration Overland
76, 000 people walked overland to California for gold. -
Panama Railway
Railroad built across the Isthmus of Panama for easier access to California. -
Arrival of the Argonauts
Nearly 40,000 argonauts arrived in San Fransico by sea from around the world. -
Influx of "49ers"
The amount of gold prospectors coming in from California incrased it's population. -
Foreign Miners Tax
Monthy $20 tax is put on each foreign and non-American born miner. -
Part of the Union
California is admitted to the Union as the 31st state. -
US Census
The first US census took place to survey the "nativity" of the citizens. -
Gold Seekers
Nearly 275, 000 gold seekers rushed to California; each with their own set of needs. -
Crimminal Immigrants
Highwaymen and cheap crooks with time become powerful and wealthy. -
First Transcontinental Railroad
Investments from the gold helped fund the first railroad to California. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Federal campaign restricted the hated Chinese immigrants from becoming US citizens.
